Free software options for logging disk usage and monitoring processes on Windows 11 are being sought due to persistent 100% disk usage issues causing significant slowdowns. Users suggest checking Task Manager to identify processes consuming disk resources and disabling unnecessary background services, such as indexing, which can exacerbate performance problems. The discussion highlights the potential for hardware limitations, particularly with older laptops, and the importance of upgrading to SSDs for better performance. Concerns about RAM usage are raised, with recommendations for increasing RAM if it is consistently high during usage. Ultimately, replacing the laptop may be necessary for a long-term solution to these issues.